Finn Harps 3 Bray Wanderers 1
Bray’s Sports Direct FAI Cup run came to end at the last 16 stage on Friday at the hands of Finn Harps.
In what was the Wicklow club’s second trip to Donegal in just 12 days, they bowed out after a 3-1 third round defeat at Finn Park.
Wanderers had taken an early lead through Cian Curtis. But his run of scoring and the Green and White’s failing to lose also ended.
Two goals in just three minutes – including a disputed penalty – saw the hosts go 3-1 up by the 30th minute.
The controversial dismissal of Billy O’Neill then ten minutes into the second half ruled out any hope of a Seagulls comeback.
From the team who’d gone down 2-0 at home to Cobh Ramblers last week, the Seasiders made two changes.
In came both Guillermo Almirall and Justin Ferizaj.
On the bench, on-loan winger Matthew Britton made his return from injury.
The visitors hit the front in the eighth minute.
Justin Ferizaj lofted a ball over the top from the centre circle in his own half.
Curtis got between two defenders before surging into the box and drilled low left footed to the net off a 15-yard half volley on the run.
But the home team restored parity by 13th minute.
Gavin McAteer whipped over a right wing free near the corner flag left footed.
Josh Cullen was left unmarked close in to head to the roof of the net.
The Donegal outfit then went ahead in the 27th minute.
Idir Yacine Zerrouk threaded a pass on the halfway down the left channel for Hans Kamta Mpongo.
He then stood up two Bray players before cutting into the area and angling on a low cross. It picked out the unmarked Max Hutchison who tapped in from six-yards.
Controversially, it became 3-1 on the half hour.
From Joel Bradley-Walsh’s long free-kick, the ball dropped out the 18-yard area.
Mpongo gathered but was challenged by Duggan. Any initial contact was outside the box. But referee Damien McGraith pointed to the spot with Mpongo converting.
The game threatened to boil over in the 37th minute. Paul Murphy’s tackle was deemed late on goalkeeper Lorenzo Piaia Barbosa.
It brought a reaction for the Harps team. It ended with two players form each side being yellow carded.
That card count came to 13 at the final whistle, including officials of each bench.
The controversy continued in the 55th minute.
With Wanderers trying to get back into the contest, they were reduced to ten men.
After O’Neill’s burst forward just outside the penalty area, he tackled Yacine Zerrouk from behind. The match official deemed it suffice enough to warrant a straight red card.
Finn Harps: Lorenzo Piaia Barbosa; Josh Cullen, Conor Tourish, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Idir Yacine Zerrouk; Oran Brogan, Max Hutchison; Gradi Lomboto (Gavin Hodgins 88), Tony McNamee, Gavin McAteer (Michael Place 73); Hans Kamta Mpongo (Shaunie Bradley 86).
Subs not used: Kevin Jordan, Gavin Gilmore, Daniel Cunningham, Seaghan McCormick, Ibrahima-Pokou Bangoura, Corey Sheridan.
Booked: Hutchinson 8, Brogan 35, Tourish 37, Bradley-Walsh 37, McNamee 62 Lomboto 81, Eamon Curry (coach) 83.
Bray Wanderers: Jimmy Corcoran; Jamie Duggan (Richard Ferizaj 61), Kilian Cantwell, Paul Murphy, Max Murphy; Rhys Bartley (Cristiano Bramley 61), Cian Doyle (Rhys Knight 79); Guillermo Almirall (Conor Knight 61), Justin Ferizaj, Billy O’Neill; Cian Curtis.
Subs not used: Dylan Barnett, Alain Kizenga, Benjamin Fagbemi Matthew Britton, Stephen McGuinness.
Booked: Curtis 37, O’Neill 37, Graham Kelly (coach) 62, Almirall 63 (substituted), Max Murphy 64, McGuinness 83.
Sent off: O’Neill 55.
Referee: Damien McGraith (Mayo)
Pictures: Paul Barrett.
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